Silverman Loc: Michigan

I dread flying with my Photography backpack, have not done it yet, but very nervous my Camera (1) or Lens (4)will be damaged if handled carelessly, so I appreciate reading the experiences here at UHH.
Would it be wise to get travel damage insurance to cover my Photography equipment??
I probably have about $1500.00 to $2000.00 value worth of Photography equipment.

Jim Bob

Damn straight.

dmr

I have been to S Africa,Patagonia and Hawaii in the past 2years with 2 cameras and a Monopod in my Carry on. No problems. In Johannesburg the baggage handlers ripped the lock off my checked bag and helped themselves to my 10 yr old electric razor. I was told they stickey fingers at that airport.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

TSA is keeping us all safe. Yes, bombs can be hidden into lenses, DSLR bodies, and many, many, many other places. Terrorists are getting smarter and wiser all the time. TSA is trying to keep up with them. I am assuming that you got on your flight and did not miss it because the government was trying it's best to keep us all safe. God bless our democracy and our freedoms. What if someone else had hidden a non detected bomb in a lens and had gotten onto your flight, what then?

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

We are going in for the interview in April for Global Entry, which will include TSA-precheck. I enjoyed reading the one post, and glad to hear it really simplified things. I'd enjoy reading more who have traveled with the Global Entry and TSA-precheck.

When you bought your air ticket, did you have to give them Global Entry numbers?

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Returned from Costa Rica in Jan. had 3 cameras and lenses batteries in my hand luggage and had no problem with security here or in Costa Rica.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

I have had it happen, but one time was more involved. My wife and I were flying back from Florida, my wife was carrying my camera bag because I was carrying the much heavier carry on bag, she went through a security lane 3-4 lanes from me. As I was just clearing my check lane a TSA agent comes up to me and points over and asks if that is my wife, I looked and saw my wife with a very worried look on her face, and said yes it is. The TSA guy took me over to her lane, they were having problems because she couldn't answer basic questions about the camera and gear with it, and were concerned she was carrying it for someone else, who she claimed was her husband, and was not right there. Once it was verified that I was indeed her husband, I answered a few basic questions about my gear, and they looked it over good, we were passed through.

Seems like the bad guys will pick someone to use as a "mule" for them.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

That happened to me in Brussels, on my way home. I had to load the camera's and take a photo to show them, then one of them asked me to take apart one of my lens. I said go ahead, when it breaks, you will pay for it. I GUESS they are getting very nervous, as this could be the next crap to hit.

anotherview Loc: California

After the Muslim terrorists flew hijacked aircraft into the buildings back East, one local international airport sported military types in jackboots carrying machine guns with an attack dog on a leash. These guards seemed to eye everybody with suspicion.

I refused to fly for several years because of the curtness (and even social hostility) of airport staff manning the line of passengers. The help has since become more civil toward passengers.

I have also flown internationally several times since then. European nations have put in place rigorous security measures from their experience as targets of Muslim terrorists.

I finally went through the long process of obtaining a Sentri pass because I travel to Mexico via the San Ysidro-Tijuana port of entry, the busiest one in the world. My wait time in the line for entry to the U.S.A. dropped from hours to minutes.

In addition, having the Sentri pass upped my status to "Trusted Traveler." This status has entitled me to special consideration at airports in America, allowing me to go through a faster, friendlier security check line set aside for people with my status. I've noticed, however, that this special treatment kicks in only if I buy my airline ticket online in advance to receive my ticket electronically.

We may as well bear the heightened airport security measures philosophically because the Muslim terrorists have declared an international jihad (holy war) against the West and against other areas of civilization, such as Russia. The Koran text justifies this jihad. Hence, these Muslim terrorists will not go away anytime soon.

So have two ways to experience extra attention when flying in passenger aircraft: (1) at the airport before boarding your flight; or (2) as splattered remains on the ground from a crashed aircraft resulting from a Muslim terrorist attack.

Pick your poison.

daldds Loc: NYC

I have TSA pre-check also which I obtained before global entry became available. The carriers that I use have the number in their database. I used global entry to return to the country. My TSA pre-check will expire shortly, and I will not have to replace it because I will then use global entry. I will provide the carriers with that number after the expiration of my TSA pre-check.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

Agree. I always say that.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I think the gentlemen is right it was where you were coming from. I live in FL now have a running festival in Rehobeth DE.
I will be shooting and producing video and stills for. I was looking at my gear last night to be as under the radar as I can be.
I have a small size pro camcorder the Sony PXW X70 and 2 mirrorless Sony cameras. a couple of lens. The monopod and smaller
solid tripod will probably put in my suitcase. This is a total compromise. But I am glad I can be as portable as this. xtra batteries,
gaffers tape etc a real problem. And my very good Manfrotto big tripod will stay home. I have followed "newshooters" website
shooters that travel everywhere and that helps in planning. Glad you got your gear back with a little hassle.

On another subject my wife has had cancer twice and a bad back and many operations. She is 71 now and they put
hear threw is just sad and at times crazy. 3 agents around her in a curtain closed patting her down. It is so very hard
for her. I always insist that I go in and stay with her. It is their protocol and they try to be kind sometimes. Lately
we get a wheel chair and attendant and that helps expedite most of the time.

LouV Loc: Juno Beach, FL

I’ve taken 10 round trip flights in the past year, 2 of which were international. If I recall correctly, my camera equipment was physically inspected only once. I think it’s just luck of the draw.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I flew out of JFK in NY in January. I had 2 cameras in a back pack and several lens, & camera equipment in a rolling bag. All were wrapped in lens wraps. TSA took it all out, unwrapped it all. I am not sure if my battery charger fell out but it wasn't in my bag when I got to my workshop. It is getting more difficult to travel with a lot of camera equipment. I do have TSA pre check!

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

Many times, it depends on the individual TSA staffer. Some are far more diligent and nastier than others. There is one guy I see at Baltimore-Washington International Airport that seems to be on a power trip. I have experienced and witnessed things with him that I have never seen elsewhere.